A magnificent epic fantasy from an author who appeals to the readers of J.R.R. Tolkien and THE NAME OF THE ROSE. The empire of Sarantium is beset to east and west. To the east the Asharites, star-worshippers, encroach ever closer to the imperial city itself; to the west barbarian tribes are... show more

A magnificent epic fantasy from an author who appeals to the readers of J.R.R. Tolkien and THE NAME OF THE ROSE. The empire of Sarantium is beset to east and west. To the east the Asharites, star-worshippers, encroach ever closer to the imperial city itself; to the west barbarian tribes are becoming more dangerous year by year. But Valerius II wishes to take back the western lands which gave birth to the empire he now rules. Into his melting pot came Caius Crispus, a master mosaicist who is called upon to play a role in building a magnificent new sanctuary - but his final role wil be far wider and more deadly, both to himself and the empire. In this magnificent, colourful novel, first of a two-book series, Guy Gavriel Kay continues his long-running tapestry of tales from the world of TIGANA and A SONG FOR ARBONNE. This is his greatest triumph yet.

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Sailing to ByzantiumThat is no country for old men. The youngIn one another’s arms, birds in the trees– Those dying generations – at their song,The salmon‐falls, the mackerel‐crowded seas,Fish, flesh, or fowl, commend all summer longWhatever is begotten, born, and dies.Caught in that sensual music a...

Guy Gavriel Kay excels at writing those moments when the world stops, the characters hold their breath, and I do too. Those moments when powers beyond comprehension are right in front of you (worldly or supernatural), and no one knows what the outcome will be, where everything hangs on a knife's edg...

I hadn't expected this to be so incomplete. I knew it was part of a series, but I expected some closure, some logical end-point. I really feel as if I've just read half a book.The prologue was unbearable. I would've given up on the book completely if my husband hadn't already read it and assured me ...

I have a love-hate relationship with Kay’s work: loved Tigana, really liked Song for Arbonne, put Lions of Al-Rassan down in disgust halfway through. (Last Light of the Sun is the only one I’ve been ambivalent about so far.) Maybe this book is too similar to Lions for me--and most people seem to lov...

As far as I can recall, I don't think I've ever read anything else by this author, although I've seen their books (and particularly those comprising the Fionavar series) around. This one was another charity shop pick, the blurb summoning up just enough interest to make me shell out £1 for a decently...

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